The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to allocate sufficient budgetary provisions for the training and support of women in politics. This resolution was passed following a motion by Mrs. Blessing Amadi, the lawmaker representing Port Harcourt II Federal Constituency, Rivers State. The House specifically called on the Ministry of Women Affairs to establish a department with adequate funding to groom, train, and assist women in politics. Additionally, they recommended including the role of women in political leadership in the secondary school curriculum.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas directed the House Committees on Women in Parliament and Women Affairs to collaborate with relevant agencies to organize regular training sessions and seminars for women interested in political office, especially those from rural areas. Amadi highlighted the low representation of women in politics at both national and state levels, attributing this disparity to societal factors like cultural norms and marriage that hinder women’s participation.
Amadi emphasized that enhancing women’s participation in public life is crucial for robust democracies. Despite some progress made by women globally, they remain significantly underrepresented in political and leadership roles, including Nigeria. She stressed the need for proactive measures to equip women with leadership skills, resources, and support necessary for active involvement in decision-making processes within the political landscape.
In line with these efforts at a global level, the Biden-Harris Administration is actively promoting women’s political and civic participation through various initiatives such as:
- Advancing Women’s and Girls’ Civic and Political Leadership under the Presidential Initiative for Democratic Renewal: This initiative aims to dismantle barriers hindering women’s political empowerment by fostering their safe participation in political processes.
- Network for Gender Inclusive Democracy: USAID is establishing this network to align efforts supporting women’s political and civic participation globally.
- SHE PERSISTS (Supporting Her Empowerment): The State Department is investing funds to bolster women’s political engagement, rights, safety, and inclusion strategies.
Furthermore, actions are being taken to advance women’s involvement in peace and security efforts through initiatives like:
- SHE WINS (Support Her Empowerment: Women’s Inclusion for New Security): Investing in local women leaders addressing peace and security challenges.
- Women, Peace, and Security Focal Points Network: Co-chairing this network to share best practices globally.
